WT's sweet mother stepped through an open door tonight, into eternity.
She was much loved
and will be dearly missed.
.
.
Goin' home, goin' home,
I am goin' home,
Quiet light, some still day,
I am goin' home.
.
It ain't far, Jes' close by,
Through an open door,
Work all done, care laid by,
Goin' t' fear no more.
.
Mother's there, 'spectin' me,
Father's waitin' too,
Lots o' folks gathered there,
All the friends I knew.
.
Nothin's lost, all is gain,
No more fret nor pain,
No more stumblin' on the way,
No more sweat n' strain.
.
Mornin' star lights the way,
Restless dream all done,
Shadows gone, break of day,
Real life has begun.
.
There's no break, there's no end,
Just a livin' on,
Wide awake with a smile,
Goin' on an' on.
.
Goin' home, goin' home,
I am goin' home.
Here am I, all alone,
I am goin' home.
.
I am goin' home.
.
.
.
William Arms Fisher
.
.
WT was able to spend a week with his mother last month when it was obvious the end was near. He has been so sweet to call her, nearly every day for the last several months, just to sing to her over the phone. It was, indeed, a most precious thing to hear. He sang this song, Goin' Home to her just this afternoon, before she left.
ReplyDeleteWillow and WT, Our heartfelt sympathies are with you tonight. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. WT is a loving son to sing to her and I'm sure the time he spent with her will always remain with him. May peace and kindness find it's way to your hearts. Sending our love and (((hugs)).
ReplyDeleteCat and Unks
My condolences. I love the image and the song. They honor her and her life.
ReplyDeleteWillow,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to know of your loss...may her memory be eternal. And, what a light of heaven in the soul of WT to show such love and tenderness.
God's blessings to your family...
We are never ready to lose them and what a beautiful way to express the loss....in song and touching base while we can. When my sister passed at age 40 after a brave 5 year battle.....we never left her alone being a family of music we sang to her
ReplyDeleteSending you our songs of love and remembering
Linda
My heartfelt prayers to WT and you and his mother, So strange but I was thinking about your earlier post about your Grandmother - and thought what a wonderful tribute -- my mother passed away three years ago on March 20, I was thinking of doing posting a tribute or not?
ReplyDeletethen some little voice said to check your new post -- after reading your post I feel like it was said for all our mothers today.
Singing is good,
Joanny
What a beautiful son to do that for his Mom. Sorry for your loss. :(
ReplyDeleteWillow--I'm so sorry for your loss. It is never a good time to lose someone that you love. Know that we are all here for you and her, opening all the doors for her as she passes. Is the photo of her and are those twins on either side? I love the photo! It shows such love and how much family means to all of us. I am touched by WT singing to her before she left. How absolutely sweet of him. Everyone should be so lucky to have a sweet WT in their life.
ReplyDeleteOh Willow, my deepest sympathy for your WT and family's loss. May she rest in peace now that she has gone home. What an absolutely beautiful thing to do - the singing. Love it. My MIL is 98 and my husband calls her almost every day. We will make a special trip to Portland to be with her on the 1-year anniversary of her husband's death. I love how loving sons can be with their mothers.
ReplyDeleteSweet and sad -- but what a lovely thing to think of his singing her home.
ReplyDeleteAnd what a perfect photograph.
My thought are with you all.
Oh dear willow, how very touching.
ReplyDeleteMy heartfelt condolences to WT and all of you. Even 22 years after her passing, I still miss my mother every day. Mothers and grandmothers are such very important people in our lives.
When nearing the end, singing is one of the things I have often noticed, that eases us over to the other side. I am so glad WT sang to her to help her on her way.
Hugs and blessings to you all.
Yes, Teri, the photo is of her, and her first born identical twin daughters.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to yourself, WT, and everyone else who ever knew the lady. Seems a true loss. And a lovely eulogy.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your and WT's loss...what a beautiful thing to do...to sing to your mother...The photo is so touching...
ReplyDeleteYou will be in my thoughts and prayers. She sounds like she was much loved, which no doubt was a precious comfort to her, and to you all.
ReplyDeleteBittersweet, the thought of WT singing her the song and calling her every day.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you at this time. {Death is but another door, another beginning...}
Sorry to read about our loss. Such sweet love from her son! Condolences.
ReplyDeleteToday is 'Mother's Day' in the UK.
ReplyDeleteBisou, Cro.
willow--my prayers and condolences are with you and WT. I am certain his singing was a comfort and brought her joy-blessings to you and yours-c
ReplyDeleteA good son...my best to him and you and your family...sounds like she had a good life and lived well.
ReplyDeletedeepest sympathies to you and WT and all of your family ........
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss, a sad time for all, my deepest condolences.
ReplyDeleteah, i'm so sorry
ReplyDeletethe photo and the words are lovely
ReplyDeleteTo Willow and WT - what a lovely tribute to leave to this amazing lady than the picture and the words of the song that was the last he was ever to sing to her.
ReplyDeleteI wish you both all the very best - the death of a mother is unimaginable until it happens to you. I really do understand and sympathise
What a beautiful poem, such comforting words. I am not a great singer, but as my mother was getting old, we started singing together, too, old songs that she remembered the words of. It is my most precious memory of her last months. And in the end she said, I am at peace. Our mothers can never be replaced. But it`s good to know they felt loved.
ReplyDeletePlease pass on my sincere condolences. It is Mothering Sunday here in Britain today so this post seems even more poignant. I love your choice of words, take care. x
ReplyDeleteDear WIllow, all my thoughts to you and WT, xxv.
ReplyDeleteour thoughts and prayers are with you willow...
ReplyDeleteSincere condolences Willow. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
ReplyDelete"I'm coming home." The last words my Grandmother said to me o'er the phone...
ReplyDeleteWT's Mom has gone home but she'll never be alone. Hearfelt condolences to you all, Willow...
Very kind and loving, indeed. -J
ReplyDeleteDear Willow, I am so very sorry to learn of the death of WT's mother. Even when these things are expected, they still come as a great shock. I am sure that you are all in the hearts and prayers of your many friends and followers.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute. Much sympathy and best wishes to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteWillow, my condolences to you and to WT. I'm sure those sweet phone sessions will be treasured will be treasured by you and WT and in a heavenly place. I love that saying that when someone becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
ReplyDeleteSending heartfelt hugs your way.
My condolences to you and your family during this time. xoxo
ReplyDeleteHaving just recently been through a similar experience with my own mother, I know what a difficult time this is. I send my heartfelt condolences to WT.
ReplyDeleteMany condolences to you and WT. And may his mother fly high.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry. Beautiful picture.
ReplyDeleteMay she rest in peace. Best wishes to WT and yourself.Will light a candle fo all of you tonight.Peadar.
ReplyDeleteWarm thoughts and sincerest condolences to WT and all of you.
ReplyDeleteMy deepest sympathies. That song was a great comfort to me when my husband's father, and my own, passed away.
ReplyDeleteOh Willow. Sorry that you and WT have lost someone you love but how wonderful for her to pass into the loving arms waiting for her
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry, Willow.
ReplyDeleteIt is a sad time for you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Yvonne
Our deepest sympathies to you and yours Willow.
ReplyDeleteIt is so sweet that WT sang to his Mom.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
What a beautiful post for her.
My heart felt thoughts are with you and your family...lucky woman to go through those doors, a new life awaits...adventures to smile about!
ReplyDeletesharon
willow and wt - the loving kindness that you share here through your words and through the telling of wt's singing is surely the greatest testament to the wonder and goodness that his mum brought into the world. from my heart to yours, in feeling. steven
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to you in this difficult time. The picture was beautiful and the poem, very touching.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful photograph of a lovely and loving lady.
ReplyDeleteIt is so moving to hear the tenderness WT showed his mother. How kind for him to help her passing be a sweet and gentle letting go. This is a very nice post and I am privileged to read it.
ReplyDeleteWillow & WT,
ReplyDeleteOur hearts go out to you at this time of loss. What a loving, thoughtful son WT must be. Any Mother would have loved his attentions at such a time. I'm certain she felt his love through his songs. May you find solace during this time and know that He is always with us. Bless you all.
Thank you for sharing this poem. I burst into tears and then copied it down for my elegy. I am sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteHi! Willow,
ReplyDeleteI stopped moving(being so busy)...to come over and express my condolences to WT, you and your families.
The poem, and the photograph(That you have posted are very apropos at this time.)
Take care!
Willow,
May I offer my sympathy to WT and you.
ReplyDeleteOh, Willow--I'm so sorry. I just read your first comment here and I'm tearing up now for sure. I'm so sorry for your loss--what a beautiful tribute to her. Beautiful photo of her as well. My thoughts are with you all today. Please give WT my condolences.
ReplyDeleteit strikes me how SO much is said /known about her and the kind of woman she was on this earth by a photo and a touching tidbit about her son's love and devotion to her. nothing else really needs to be known or said...those two things seem to capture her essence pretty well. deepest sympathies to you all.
ReplyDeleteWillow, so sorry for your family's loss. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Lovely photo and song. Blessings, Marguerite
ReplyDeleteWillow, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. The power of love shines in your heartfelt post.
ReplyDeleteHello Willow,
ReplyDeleteOn this Mothering Sunday, when all mothers are in our thoughts, my thoughts are also with you and WT. You have given a lovely tribute.
What a gorgeous picture of her and the twins! I had not seen that one. I can hear WT singing that song...so perfect and lovely. Big hugs to the two of you today! xo
ReplyDeleteDear Willow,
ReplyDeleteYour loving tribute to WT's mother brought tears to my eyes. I am so sorry for your loss.
Marjorie
Such a lovely, loving tribute. My deepest condolences to WT, to you, and to your entire family for this loss.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't help thinking of your oft times introduction to WT's comments...."Overheard at the Manor..." Only this time....the heartfelt words of the old hymn sung to his mother...proof positive that she had to be an extraordinary mother to have raised such a man. Peace and comfort be with you both.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your lose.
ReplyDeleteoh, my heart!! he sang this to her the day she passed!!!
ReplyDeletesuch sweetness and sadness...and homage to that beautiful woman holding both hands in the breathtaking photo.
all the best in your processing there.
What an absolutely beautiful photo.
ReplyDeletex
My condolences to you and your family. The photo is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteCondolences to you and yours, Willow.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful poem to usher her into the next world. My condolences to you and WT.
ReplyDeleteWillow and WT, please know you are in my heart and in my prayers as you accept this next phase of living. What a wonderful memory that song.
ReplyDeleteAw, how sad. And how happy. "Real life has begun."
ReplyDeleteWillow&WT, so sorry, I lost my Mom in January so I know how you feel. God bless her and you guys!
ReplyDeleteWillow,
ReplyDeletesending thought of peace and comfort to you and yours -
xox,
Susan
for you all
ReplyDeletethoughts, prayers, salty tears..long hugs from my heart to yours
My condolences to WT and you all.
ReplyDeleteDeborah in NC
My condolences -- and thank you for posting such a beautiful, poignant photo and poem/song.
ReplyDeleteSuch an amazing image and words, and I am so sorry about your family's loss. It is a reminder of why life is so fleeting and precious and the value of Sepia Saturday. Those amber and sepia rays of light reach at our heart, embedding memories that help us through loss and remind us that the spirit of those we love will never leave.
ReplyDeletewonderful post.
ReplyDeleteMy dear WT and my sweet Willow,
ReplyDeleteI can hear WT's voice and feel the comfort he offered her through the balm of music.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have not been able to visit for a while and I am saddened to return to this news.
All my prayers and thoughts for you both... and especially for the treasured woman in the photo whose outstretched hands encouraged her little ones forward... walking in determined, loving faith.
All my love,
Suzanne
Sincere condolences to the family on your loss. Sweet memories forever. xa
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. The wonderful tributes here say volumes about how much you and your family are loved by your many friends. Hope this brings comfort and strength to you. The sepia picture, poem and loving tributes so endearingly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences and thoughts to your family, willow.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful song.
God bless you.
ReplyDeleteWillow, my sympathies are with you and your sweet WT. She must have been a good mother to raise such a caring son.
ReplyDeletedear willow - what an absolutely lovely tribute to WT's mother - and to you for sharing her beauty in such a way - there is no doubt that her hearing her son's voice meant more to her than we can ever know - many caring thoughts to you and WT and your family -
ReplyDeleteWillow and WT my prayers are with you and your family. I just showed a video of the song a few days ago on my post, I think Saturday. I had used it to represent the loss of ones we love and how we should look at it. It is so comforting to see it as truly going home. That was the first time I have heard that song. Blessings
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry and my heart goes out to you both.
ReplyDeletethinking of you--
xo
I am late to this Willow but send my condolences on your loss.
ReplyDeleteThe song was just perfect.
God Bless,
Caitx
I add my sincere condolences. What a lovely photograph and as to the song -- I was not familiar with it and found it so moving and fitting. A lovely way to send her on her way to the Next Big Adventure (as my 85-year old husband calls it).
ReplyDeleteA very moving tribute. It is apparent WT's mother inspired a lot of love. My condolences to you and all your loved ones!
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so sorry. Wishing you both peace. Thinking of you. What a beautiful tribute on your part.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so sorry of your loss, WT. You are in my prayers at this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteMy heartfelt condolences to you, Willow, and to WT.
ReplyDeleteI know there are no words to bring adequate comfort. I know. And still, I bring these meager offerings. I am sorry for your loss, for WT's loss. And yet, if she's going home, there is also joy, isn't there? We'll meet again, in the sweet by and by. Yes?
ReplyDeleteRelyn, yes, most definitely, my friend, in the sweet by and by!
ReplyDeleteWhat sweeter sendoff could WT's mum have then such a sweet song?
ReplyDeleteMy mother passed away in January, and 2 weeks ago we thought we were losing my dad -- It is sad to lose them, but what amazing lives our parents lead, what amazing times they survived.
My sympathies to you and your family -- Cass
She was goin' home on that morning train, and she had someone to sing her along the way. "That evenin' train might be too late, so I'm goin' home on the mornin' train." (Precious Bryant, SW Ga. blues singer)
ReplyDeleteTo sing to your mother on the phone
and to hear that singing
indeed a precious thing.
Willow and WT, my heartfelt condolences in the passing of 'Mother'. What a loving and dutiful son, singing to his mother as she faced life in Eternity...
ReplyDeleteGod rest her soul, and wrap his loving arms around those left without her wordly presence.
{Hugs}
Josephine
What a lovely tribute to a very loved mother...she will be with you in every thing you do...
ReplyDeleteSo, so bittersweet. Just the idea of a son singing to his mother as she enters the gates of heaven is heartwarming.
ReplyDeleteWith much sympathy as you mourn your MIL.
Jill
Oh Willow.It Is Such A Wonderful & Perfect Photograph.Timeless.
ReplyDeleteoh, your words in the comment section just have me in tears.
ReplyDeleteto love that well.
to be loved that well.
prayers for peace in all of this
Willow I am sad to hear about your loss. My mother was born on August 4th 1929 exactly 5 months after yours was born. She is still here and our relationship seems to be where I have always wanted it to be. Knowing you have loss yours brings sadness to me for you. We will coming after them soon enough. Life is magnificent and I am always grateful. I sent my brother to your blog as your soups will inspire his creation in the kitchen I am sure. Your poetry is beautiful. I send you many hugs of love and thoughts to you tonight sweet energy of vibrations.
ReplyDeleteMy heart and thoughts go out to you and WT and his family. I'm glad she was able to have loved ones around her. I dread the day my mother goes as I so rarely see her. A touching tribute indeed.
ReplyDeleteHave been thinking of you all this past week dear Willow. How precious to think that some of the last sounds WT's Mum heard were those of her darling boy's sweet song.
ReplyDeleteMillie xx
what a dear son to sing to his mom. I can think of no finer way to transit from this life than on the notes of my son's voice. Sorry about her passing, always an event to bring sadness and also contemplation about our own lives and life. Blessings to all.
ReplyDeleteOh God, Willow. What a beautiful thing for him to do, sing to her. I'd want a son to do the same for me. So sorry, my friend.
ReplyDeleteThis image is the perfect picture of a mother and her small ones.